Researchers at Vanderbilt University have, for the first time, been able to trigger the specific immune system response required to reverse the course of small intestinal inflammation by inducing production of tuft cells, very rare epithelial cells that sense and respond to parasites. The breakthrough has the potential to provide Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel […]
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Transporter’s role in gut barrier linked to intestinal dysfunction
The cotransporter NKCC1 moves sodium, potassium and chloride ions across the cell membrane of many cell types, including intestinal epithelial cells. Two patients with mutations in NKCC1 suffered from severe intestinal dysfunction and chronic infections. To explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the role of NKCC1 in the intestinal pathology, Eric Delpire, Ph.D., and […]
Researchers find probiotics may increase intestinal motility in mouse model
Emory researchers have found that adding good bacteria into the intestines can guide the development of the enteric nervous system, also called “the gut brain,” while increasing intestinal motility, or movement of the digestive tract, in a mouse model. The results are good news for medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, autism […]
Gut microbiome regulates the intestinal immune system, researchers find
Scientist have long known that bacteria in the intestines, also known as the microbiome, perform a variety of useful functions for their hosts, such as breaking down dietary fiber in the digestive process and making vitamins K and B7. Yet a new study unveils another useful role the microbiome plays. A team of researchers from […]
Injection of vasoactive intestinal peptide into the eye improves corneal transplant survival
A new study in the American Journal of Pathology reports for the first time that injection of neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) directly into the eye of mice enhanced corneal graft survival. VIP produced other benefits, including acceleration of endothelial wound closure, protection of corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs), and improved corneal graft clarity. If proven […]